Member News

Leading regional accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Larking Gowen is to welcome two new partners who will be based at its Norwich and Colchester offices.

John Atkins currently works in the Norwich office as part of the Corporate, Audit and Advisory Team.

He qualified as a member of the ACCA in 2014. He moved to BDO specialising in audits of UK and overseas groups, and owner managed businesses. He joined MHA Larking Gowen in August 2016 from Grant Thornton where he had worked as an Audit Manager. 

 “It was an honour and privilege to be invited to join the partner group at MHA Larking Gowen, and I am thoroughly looking forward to starting in my new role on 1 April,” he said.

“When I joined the firm, the key values of Passion for Our People and Client Service shone through. This was recognised when the firm won the Best Employer Award in the Norfolk Business Awards in 2019.”

“The partners knew from the outset my overall ambition, as such I sat down with my partner mentor and together, we created a development plan to make sure that my ambitions matched the firm’s. There is always an open and honest relationship in a very supportive environment,” he said.

“I have been fortunate to work with some brilliant clients across East Anglia and look forward to working with many more in the years to come. I have been supported by a great team throughout, and I look forward to continuing to train and develop our people to help them achieve their career aspirations, while also developing the firm for future generations.”  

John has significant experience in accounting and financial reporting, audit and advisory services, and has mainly focused mainly on the firm’s corporate business.

Louise Dean, who has been working as a Senior Manager in the firm’s specialist medical team in Colchester, is to oversee expansion of its work in Suffolk and Essex in her new role as a partner.

Louise became ACCA qualified in 2007 and became part of MHA Larking Gowen when the business merged with Hubbard Lloyd in 2014. She has helped look after the finances of the firm’s client list of 600 GP partners and 130 practices, and has built up strong relationships with practice managers and GP partners.

“This is something I have aspired to throughout my career. I had previously worked with Hubbard Lloyd, and their merger with MHA Larking Gowen opened a lot of doors with more opportunities for me to progress. I was able to get advice from senior staff and there was a lot of support to develop,” she said.

“With maternity leave and two young children to look after, I did work part time for a while but none of that stood in the way. I currently have flexible time, with one day off in the week, and I am able to make up the hours in the evenings and at weekends. It’s a perfect balance of being a mum and focusing on my career at the same time,” she said.

As well as looking after her client portfolio, Louise spends time talking to trainee GPs in hospitals, and running training courses for practice managers.

“A lot of our business is word of mouth, so I see my part of my role as helping to build up our reputation. We have some challenging growth targets for the Colchester and Ipswich teams, and I will be spending my time between the two sites,” she said.

MHA Larking Gowen provides a full healthcare accounting service for all medical consultants, locums, salaried GPs, other medical professionals and private health companies.

Services include help with annual accounts and tax returns, personal taxation, pension contributions, partnership changes, capital tax planning, benchmarking, profitability monitoring and administration.

The Government has confirmed that, where people are unable to work from home, including many in the construction sector, they should still go to work, where this can be done in accordance with guidance published by Public Health England (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others). Therefore, construction contractors, subcontractors or workers delivering construction projects, those involved in the manufacturing, supply and distribution of construction products, builders merchants and logistics, or the provision of relevant professional services, should be viewed as falling within the scope of this guidance. So on this basis at Rhino Building & DIY Supplies  we have tried to continue with a selective delivery service as we are operating on minimal staff, on top of which we are struggling to obtain more goods in which to sell as many suppliers have closed down. We gave priority to those who are deemed as essential workers and have done all we can to assist the local community. We have provided goods to doctors surgery who have been told they are able to coronavirus test and also now issue prescriptions in light of the pandemic. Of course the health and safety elements do not go away so alterations need to be made in order to make that happen. We also have assisted local doctors surgery with PPE including overalls and masks. I am uncertain how much longer we will be able to sustain this and we are very fortunate to have such a great committed team assisting us in keeping the wheels moving.  

A simple parking permit will be available from today to ease the way for health workers, and community volunteers, who are helping people across Norfolk.

County, city, borough and district councils have all come together to create the new permits which will allow free parking on-street and in council run car parks for key workers and community volunteers helping people across Norfolk. Outside of Norwich people can apply online for the new COVID-19 Response Permit by providing a photo of their work id badge or proof they are registered with the NHS scheme if they are a community volunteer. In Norwich, organisations can apply to the city council for a key worker permit that is emailed to them for eligible users to print off at home or work.

Cllr Martin Wilby, chairman of the Norfolk Parking Partnership, said: “The way people have risen to the challenges of the pandemic is truly remarkable and we want to do all we can to support those who are out there looking after communities across Norfolk. NHS, social care staff and community volunteers can all get the new permit.

“I also want to thank, and urge others to support, all the parking enforcement officers who are still working to make sure our streets stay clear and accessible for our colleagues in the police, ambulance and fire services.”   

Even though roads are quieter at the moment authorities are running a reduced level of parking enforcement to make sure blue light services, as well as bin collections and food delivery trucks, are still able to access people’s homes.

The new permit will allow free parking in all council run car parks, in on-street pay and display bays, permit parking and time limited waiting bays. However to ensure vital spaces will still remain available, and roads accessible for emergency services, the new rules will not apply to disabled parking bays, loading bays, car club spaces and double yellow lines. Initially permits will be valid for three months however this will be extended if necessary.

To find out more, and to apply for a permit, visit: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/coronavirus/free-parking-for-health-workers-and-community-volunteers

TaxAssist Accountants continues its impressive rate of growth.

Sunny Srai (Hampton), Sanjay Parekh (Wood Green) Gary Bugdale (Managing Director of TaxAssist Direct London Ltd), Jay Gosal (Coventry East) and Adnan Tahir (Glasgow) have all recently graduated from TaxAssist Accountants’ first Initial Training Course of 2020.

Having amassed nearly 20 years’ experience within Corporate Finance across various sectors, Sanjay Parekh realised he was confident in his abilities to generate financial success by running his own business. Having worked successfully as a financial consultant for the last five years, Sanjay was keen to change tack and use his wealth of experience to help small businesses. This triggered him to consider running his own accountancy practice via the franchising route.

“My ex-manager (now a franchisee) introduced me to TaxAssist. I did some research, signed up for the Discovery Day and my experience has been positive from that moment on,” explained Sanjay.

“I have found the network very transparent, truthful, supportive and nurturing. Having completed the training during the COVID-19 outbreak would have been even more daunting if I was not part of a reputable brand such as TaxAssist, which boasts a knowledgeable and diligent back-office support function – which is the backbone of franchisees’ success.

“I am excited to start trading, and I am confident I will ride the current wave and come out successful on the other side due to the brand backing me.”

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director, said: “It was a pleasure to train and socialise with our new fantastic group of franchisees and the team at our Support Centre are looking forward to helping them grow their practices.

“These are unprecedented times, but franchisees know they have the back-up and support of a dedicated team of over 60 staff at the Support Centre on hand to help, guide and advise them and their clients. They also know that their services are very much in demand, as small businesses look to their accountant as never before for help and guidance through the uncertain months ahead.”

If you are interested in joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, there are Discovery Days via video planned in the coming weeks. If you’d like to book onto a Discovery Day, please submit your CV and a completed application form which can be found here to franchiseenquiries@taxassist.co.uk

On 30 March 2020, Microsoft announced a change to Office 365 subscriptions for SME’s, as well as to Office 365 ProPlus. These products will soon sit under the Microsoft 365 brand.

The change in name will automatically go into effect on 21 April 2020. There are no changes to the pricing or products at this time. You do not need to take any action in relation to this change. It is worth noting your subscription name will update automatically in the admin center and your monthly billing statements. Here are the name changes to look out for:

• Office 365 Business Essentials will become Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
• Office 365 Business Premium will become Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
• Microsoft 365 Business will become Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
• Office 365 Business and Office 365 ProPlus will both become Microsoft 365 Apps. Where necessary we will use the “for business” and “for enterprise” labels to distinguish between the two.

Microsoft have said: “Today, we’re simply announcing name changes. But these changes represent our ambition to continue to drive innovation in Microsoft 365 that goes well beyond what customers traditionally think of as Office. The Office you know and love will still be there, but we’re excited about the new apps and services we’ve added to our subscriptions over the last few years and about the new innovations we’ll be adding in the coming months.” For detailed information and the Microsoft FAQs relating to this change, please visit their website.

Are you a ‘baby-Zoomer’?

Are you a new user of online meetings and events using Zoom video?

If you are, then you might be interested in a free live online training event to help you get started. Zoom is a great tool for online meetings, lessons and ‘get-togethers’ with lots of very useful features.

Getting started

For a novice at a video or online communication it can all seem a little tricky at first. And then once the tech is sorted, how do you talk to people are not even listening or looking at you!   The good news, following a few simple tips can make all the difference.

Here at Brilliant Customer Service, we have recently transferred all our classroom training into ‘live online learning’. And, in the process, discovered lots of tricks and techniques that we would be pleased to share.  For example, here are a few simple points can make a big difference.

Technology

The starting point is making friends with the technology. Getting the setting’s right, positioning your computer and camera correctly can make all the difference.

Structure and slides

With limited attention span and lack of immediate body language, your voice and words will carry much of your message. With practice, you can make your communication clear, concise, and engaging. Most importantly, a good structure and visuals can help you make your meeting, lesson, or event interactive, engaging, and enjoyable.

Interaction

Most of us watch video, browse the internet, and use our computer in a mainly passive way.  This becomes very apparent when asking for comments and questions in an online meeting or class. Instead of contributions, you get a deafening silence with invisible tumble-weed blowing across the screen! Using better questions and other techniques can make all the difference.

Book Here: Live online training 45-minutes – free training on how to run brilliant online meetings

This runs every few days or on-demand and is completely free for anyone looking to get up to speed with online meetings and events.

It is ideal for managers, all staff, teachers, salespeople, customer service staff, trainers, and professionals of all types.

For more information: grp@brilliantcustomerservice.co.uk, visit www.busybeingbrilliant.com or call 07515 851 891

Launched just a week ago, the Foundation’s Covid-19 Community Response Fund has received over 60 applications from local charities and grassroots community projects who together are forming a network of committed, compassionate people providing practical help and care for their neighbours. At a time when we must protect and care for those most vulnerable, this community action is vital to keep everyone safe and well in our communities. From delivering food and prescriptions, to tackling loneliness and isolation, Norfolk’s charitable groups are working hard across our county. Vital initiatives funded during the first week include:

• suppporting volunteers to deliver food to people who are isolated and in the greatest need
• purchasing emergency food supplies
• protecting our most vulnerable children while schools are closed
• helping with the cost of providing protective kit and travel expenses for the army of local volunteers
• supporting charities and community groups who would typically deliver face-to-face services and are now needing to use IT or phones to maintain contact and support the people they help.

Find out more about how people are being supported

We need more funds to continue supporting people across Norfolk Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal so far. However, we still need many more funds to ensure that we can support the most vulnerable during these unprecedented times. Donate today to help people in your local community. Anything that you can give will make a real difference. Supported by the National Emergencies Trust The National Emergencies Trust has also set up an emergency fund to help people in their communities through local Community Foundations, who are routing funds to where they are most needed. Patron HRH Prince William is urging individuals and businesses to donate, which will work alongside our local fundraising to meet the most pressing community needs. Find out more   Many thanks for your support.

Brilliant Lessons Online – free training

Free online webinar: “How to run online lessons using Zoom”

Whether you are teaching physics or yoga, cooking or karate, English or maths, you can use Zoom to run brilliant, engaging, interactive and enjoyable.

Are you a teacher, tutor, trainer, or instructor that wants to run online lessons and classes?

If you are, then you will be interested in this free live online training event to help you get started, quickly and easily. Whether you are looking to run classes from 1 to 100, you will gain lots of ideas and short-cuts in just 45 minutes – all completely free.

Why Zoom?

Zoom is a great tool for running classes, lessons, and courses with lots of really great features. Here are just a few functions that you can see in action on this free online course:

1. Making it easy and safe for your learners and students to register and login.
2. Using a whiteboard and annotate function to increase interaction and fun!
3. Screenshare to run videos (within the lesson), share slides and pictures.
4. Breakout rooms. This is a great way to mirror the dynamics of a live classroom. Pupils can work individually and in smaller groups, fully monitored by you as the teacher.
5. Run quizzes, tests, questionnaires, and polls.
6. Share and receive ‘coursework’ and files from students.
7. A ‘chat’ facility to message either the group or any one person.

Getting started – free online lessons training webinar – 45 minutes

Here at Brilliant Customer Service, we have recently transferred all our classroom training into ‘live online learning’. And, in the process, discovered lots of tricks and techniques that we would be pleased to share.  For example, here are a few simple points can make a big difference. As well as the points above we can save lots of time and effort in

• Getting the technology right and setup correctly
• Designing your class or lessons for maximum attention and engagement
• Using all the administration and setup functions correctly

Register and attend for free – online

Live online training 45-minutes – free training on how run brilliant online lessons

This runs every few days or on-demand and is completely free for anyone looking to get up to speed with online meetings and events. It is ideal for managers, all staff, teachers, sales, customer service, trainers, and professionals of all types.

For more information: grp@brilliantcustomerservice.co.uk, visit www.busybeingbrilliant.com or call 07515 851 891

The new Hill Coaching Company website is a starting point.

It’s the starting point for Oliver’s vision of personal development and business coaching which is unlike anything that is out there already.

It is a version of coaching that gives you everything you need to become the best version of yourself. It is a version of coaching that doesn’t give you an ‘expert opinion’ or tells you what you should do. It’s a version of coaching that focuses on your talents and your strengths to help you to discover your own insights and to forge your own path to success.

Native Origin has been working with Oliver Hill since January to create this website, video content, photography and graphics. And working on this website has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the most amazing, creative and passionate individuals I’ve ever met. These individuals include Rob Lawrence, Kate White, Ian White and Chris Reeve.

But this website is just the start, and as a team, we have so, so much more to come….

If you’re interested, you can access the new Hill Coaching Company website here. 

Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity, Big C, has launched a range of services designed to support those affected by cancer during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The charity will be providing support packs for local people affected by cancer in isolation due to Coronavirus. They will include home comfort items along with advice and signposting to Big C’s free telephone helpline and online Virtual Centre.

Director of Charitable Operations at Big C, Dr Melanie Pascale, said, “Those in our community affected by cancer are already facing challenging circumstances and are now experiencing added worry and anxiety due to the Coronavirus outbreak. In addition, some people with specific cancers who are considered to be extremely vulnerable are now being asked to take extra shielding measures. We want to do everything we can to help them at this time. Big C has been providing support in Norfolk for the past 40 years and we will continue to do so.”

Alongside the Support and Wellbeing packs, starting from Tuesday 24th March, Big C is launching a ‘live chat’ facility via their website, where local people affected by cancer will be able to access support from 11am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Telephone counselling sessions and telephone appointments in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau will also be available. The Big C Virtual Centre will offer ‘Keep Moving’ physical activity and mental wellbeing videos, wellbeing and ‘checking in’ videos, interactive ‘Ask the Nurse’ support and video link to Big C support team members. An emergency delivery service is also available for those most in need to help with small amounts of shopping or delivering prescriptions.  

Dr Melanie Pascale added, “I would like to thank our wonderful staff for their amazing efforts as a team to deliver this support and continue the care they are so passionate about.”

Anyone wishing to access support can call the Big C Support Team on 0800 092 7640. The line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. All calls are free of charge.

Big C, Norfolk and Waveney’s cancer charity, has launched a new fundraising campaign due to many of the charity’s planned events being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Big C’s ‘Challenge 40’ is calling for local people to raise money for the charity by exercising either at home or by using their ‘once a day’ exercise outside in line with government advice.

2020 is Big C’s 40th anniversary year, so from April 1st until May 31st the charity is asking local people who are able, to complete 40 minutes of exercise or activity, every day for forty days. This could be a run, cycle, walk, an exercise routine at home or some gardening.

Carole Slaughter, Head of Fundraising at Big C, said, “We are all living in uncertain and changing times and many of our spring and summer fundraising events have had to be postponed.

We have therefore launched a new fundraising initiative which reflects the current situation and we’re asking our army of amazing supporters to raise funds for us in a different way. This is important now, more than ever, for those with a cancer diagnosis already facing enormously challenging circumstances and now experiencing increased anxiety and worry due to coronavirus.

We also hope it might be a fun focus for people spending much more time than usual at home! We do however know that times are tough for many currently and therefore we are asking for a £10 donation, with the option of also enlisting the support of friends and family to raise a little more. Any amount will make a big difference to those locally affected by cancer.”

Carole Slaughter continues, “We’d urge everyone to take part and focus on keeping fit, while supporting Big C to continue providing vital care and support for those people affected by cancer during these challenging times.” Big C is committed to everyone’s safety and health during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please follow government guidelines around social distancing and specific advice if you are in a vulnerable group. Please only go out once a day to do your 40 minutes exercise.

For the latest government advice on coronavirus please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

To sign up for Big C’s Challenge 40, please visit https://fundraise.big-c.co.uk/event/challenge40-for-big-c/ to pledge your support and a £10 donation.

To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk  

During the current Coronavirus situation, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Strategic Partner, LV Shipping Ltd, remains operational with a mix of office and home working, throughout all their ten UK bases including their Great Yarmouth facility; given the nature of their business (freight and transport) the company comes under the government’s “key workers” system.

For more information on the services LV Shipping Ltd can offer, visit their website: https://www.lvshipping.com/